external arrow pointing right logo mark logo full version logo in single color arrow pointing down \ facebook logo instagram logo twitter logo flicker logo search icon navigation expand button close
Sculpture depicting Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus

About

Since our founding in 1933 during the Great Depression that shook the globe, Catholic Charities of Oregon has been a trusted ally of the most poor and marginalized, and a leader in finding innovative solutions to poverty and injustice. We are proud to serve all God’s Children as the Official Domestic Relief Agency of the Catholic Church in Oregon.

Our mission is to assure that essential, life-changing services and supports are accessible to the most vulnerable Oregonians. The services we provide across the state of Oregon include affordable and supportive housing, legal services, intensive case management and more.

We are a member of Catholic Charities USA and of Caritas International, the global network of agencies that make up the charitable arm of the world-wide Catholic Church. (EIN: 93-0386801)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Social Justice Statement:

Catholic Charities of Oregon believes that all people are created in the image and likeness of God and possess dignity, value and worth. Our response to this intrinsic human dignity is to recognize, promote, and defend it from all forms of attack and to create the social conditions in which all people may flourish.

We collectively prosper through the power of that diversity as we work to eliminate disparities and unjust discrimination in our community. Catholic Charities of Oregon will continue this commitment through a strong DEI focus and through programming, policies and community partnerships that empower people. Our organization actively recruits and promotes staff and board members to create a diverse environment that reflects the communities we serve. We strive toward a just and equitable workplace, community, and larger world.

Diversity Statement:

We believe that the diversity of the human family is a divine blessing. We collectively prosper through the power of diversity as we work to eliminate disparities and unjust discrimination due to, but not limited to, religion, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, documentation, immigration status, culture, language, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, veteran, or socioeconomic status. This list will be reviewed and updated annually.

Catholic Charities agency staff welcomes refugees at Portland International Airport

Mission & Vision

Mission statement

Inspired by the transformative power of God’s love, Catholic Charities of Oregon — the social service arm of the Catholic Church in western Oregon — partners with the most vulnerable, regardless of faith, to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.

Vision for society

Catholic Charities of Oregon envisions a society in which all people thrive economically, socially, and spiritually; cultivate diverse, respectful, and just communities; and recognize the inherent dignity and sanctity of human life.

Vision for the organization

Catholic Charities of Oregon achieves lasting solutions to poverty and injustice by partnering with clients to meet their economic and educational goals and to support their physical and social well-being.

*Adopted by the Board of Catholic Charities of Oregon March 14, 2013.

Whom We Work With

We welcome and serve everyone, regardless of race, religion, or orientation.
For our partners

We focus on solidarity, love, dignity, family, caring for the world around us, and ensuring that basic life needs are not only met but exceeded and maintained.

For our volunteers

We focus on making sure that every bit of good is squeezed out of every minute of time given and every dollar spent. We’re effective, caring, and nonjudgmental, and we welcome everyone.

For our future team

At Catholic Charities of Oregon, we care for our employees so they can take care of others. Together, we work to make a concrete, hands-on difference in our community.

Careers

We are proud of our healthy work culture at Catholic Charities of Oregon. Our approach includes everything from support for continuing training and education to a strong focus on allowing each employee to own their job and become a thought leader in their area of service. We take care of our employees so they can take care of others.

If you’re considering working with Catholic Charities of Oregon, please click below to view our job openings and fill out an application. We’d love to meet you.

View open opportunities

For career opportunities at CYO Camp Howard, please click here. Check back soon for more opportunities from our partner agencies.

Articles

MAKING IT A HOME

Posted By | Catholic Charities Communications
With building anticipation for the upcoming opening of Francis + Clare in Southeast Portland and Beacon at Glisan Landing in Northeast Portland this fall, Catholic Charities of Oregon is preparing to welcome their future residents with warmth and compassion.

Honor for Sr. Juanita’s life of service

Posted By | Catholic Charities Communications
As Catholic Charities marks its 90th anniversary, it notes that it began as a way to coordinate and sustain the many compassionate ministries begun by women religious in Oregon. Starting in the late 19th century, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon ran orphanages in the area west of Portland and also taught at schools…

Volunteers needed to assist artist

Posted By | Catholic Charities Communications
Artist Alicia Schultz will take up her paintbrush at Kenton Women’s Village Aug. 16-17 to add beauty and meaning to a new fence. For security and privacy at the tiny home village, a team of volunteers from Tivnu, a Jewish gap year group, constructed a 10-foot-tall wooden wall at the village entrance. The planks are…

Study: Tiny home villages highly effective

Posted By | Catholic Charities Communications
Catholic Charities’ Kenton Women’s Village even more successful than average Formerly homeless people living in pod groupings like Kenton Women’s Village move into permanent housing at three times the rate of those living in more traditional homeless shelters, researchers from Portland State University have found.